London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Battersea 1957

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]

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45
Under such Order is limited to three weeks, instead of three months,
and any application for an extension of this period must be made in
accordance with the procedure laid down in Section 47. An application
Under the 1951 Act may be made by the Medical Officer of Health
without special authority from the Health Committee in each individual
case, provided a general authority to act is given. Such general authority
has been given by the Council to the Medical Officer of Health and his
Deputy.
It was not necessary to take such action under either Act during
the year.
Use of Slipper Baths by Old Age Pensioners.
The Council make available to old age pensioners free use of the
dipper baths at their Baths Establishments (with use of a towel) on
Production of their pension books. This facility has also been extended
to blind nersons.

During the year 1957 this arrangement was taken advantage of at the respective Bath Establishments as follows —

MalesFemales
Latchmere3,4673,581
Nine Elms1,170497
Plough Road564759
Total5,2014,837

Burial of Deceased Persons.
Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the Council
are responsible for the burial or cremation of the body of any person
dying, or being found dead, in the Borough, and have power to recover
form the estate of the deceased person, or from any person who, under
the Act, was liable to maintain the deceased immediately prior to his
death, their expenses incurred in carrying out the duty, in so far as
these expenses are not covered by any grant made under the National
Insurance Act, 1946.
During the year, 3 cases were dealt with.
The burials arranged by the Council are carried out by a local
undertaker under contract, and not more than one coach is provided
for follow. The Health Department make the arrangements and
collect all available information regarding any estate left by the deceased,
particulars of his National Insurance, and the existence of any "liable"
relatives. This information is passed to the Borough Treasurer so that
he may take steps to recover the cost.
total cost incurred in dealing with the 3 cases was £50
approximately, and of this amount approximately £34 was recovered
by the end of the year.